Scaldis SMC offers young engineers great opportunities for offshore heavy lifting projects

Specialist in heavy work at sea

Scaldis SMC is a niche company within the offshore sector. With two powerful ships, the Rambiz and the Gulliver, they perform complex lifting operations worldwide during installation and decommissioning works. Philippe: "We're specialised in installing renewables such as wind turbines and substations, and dismantling oil and gas platforms from the 1960s and 1970s. A demolition like this is always a real feat because the installations and their later modifications are rarely well documented. It requires thorough preparation, which already starts in the tender phase."

Preparatory work on land

Months of engineering work on land are hidden behind the maritime operations: feasibility studies, lifting and stability calculations, seafastening calculations and drawings, etc. "Site visits are also involved to investigate, for example, the lifting points and possible intersections. Everything is extensively documented, including QHSE and environmental requirements. About 60% of our employees have an engineering background. They work closely with the people who draw up the technical plans and with subcontractors who are specialised, for example, in cutting through underwater structures. The preparatory phase often takes three to five months, while the actual execution at sea usually takes a 'mere' three weeks. What we do is technically very intensive. Our employees are very close to the project from the concept phase to delivery," says Philippe.

Investing in the new generation

When Philippe became HR manager at Scaldis SMC three years ago, he found an organisation with a strong results-oriented culture. The emphasis was on direct deployability and efficient project work. People were only recruited, so to speak, once a contract had been signed. "An approach that worked well for years, but we also saw the need to invest more in keeping and passing on knowledge and expertise in-house. Therefore, we decided to recruit and train additional people structurally, especially young people and school leavers. The idea is that they will learn a great deal here on the job and can independently support or help manage projects after three years."

Young talent is given plenty of opportunities

Scaldis SMC quickly throws young employees into the pool. They start by reading up on projects; before they know it, they're helping to prepare those projects and going offshore. This approach gives them a solid learning experience and immediate responsibility. "Young engineers go through the process from the tender phase to the actual implementation at sea. They come into contact with experienced colleagues, customers and partners daily and therefore quickly build a network as well as their expertise."

At Scaldis SMC, you stay because you find your place

"Impact is important for young people. If they feel that their work matters, you get greater involvement, which often leads to long careers. We have people who have been working here for more than 25 years. They stay because they've found their place with us. With plenty of variety – no offshore project is the same – high-quality training, team activities, a pleasant working environment and lots of impact."

A partnership that works

Because of this very unique corporate culture and approach, Scaldis SMC is looking for specific engineering profiles: people who have studied hard and are eager to do something with it. People who show initiative, take responsibility and like to be at the controls, themselves.

"To find these Scaldians, we have worked intensively with MULTI.engineering for the past three years. They have a lot of knowledge of offshore engineering and have already worked with DEME. As a result, they have a good sense of what we need and what fits within our corporate culture. The collaboration is also very transparent. They're incredibly skilled, have a lot of expertise and the interaction is fast and efficient."